REMEMBER THEIR NAME: State High students blow audiences away

THERE might not have been any dancing on top of cars in the streets of New York City but the hard working students of Chinchilla State High School have managed to put on a show audiences members will remember for years to come.

Based on the iconic 1980s film and stage musical, "Fame Jr" was brought to life at the Chinchilla Cultural Centre on Friday and Saturday nights to the delight of hundreds.

For 16-year-old Steph Valler, who played meek and mild acting student Serena Katz, the entire production experience has been a highlight of her time at high school.

"We gave up just about all of our morning tea and lunch time breaks in the lead up to opening night but every single rehearsal was worth it to see it all come together on Friday night," she said.

"I think two weeks ago everyone's nerves started to kick in and we were wondering how it was all going to be pulled off, but that only motivated everyone to work harder.

"Mrs Hubbard and Miss Josland have been so supportive through the entire process, they've given up a lot of their free time for this musical and because of them it's definitely been one of the best experiences for all cast and crew members.

Fellow lead role and year 11 student, Casey Ryan said it wasn't too hard for him to get into character to play the nerdy but lovable music student, Schlomo Metzenbaum.

"I'm planing to audition for the Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane next year with the hopes of studying professional music performance," the 17-year-old said.

"I play saxophone in the school and local jazz band so I felt like Schlomo and I had a lot of similarities in many ways.

"The entire production has been such a blast, the whole cast and crew have become really close and a lot of friendships have come out of this experience.

Both students said the energy backstage before opening night was palpable.

"Everyone was is this crazy, nervous but excited mood just before our Friday show. We were all singing and dancing around backstage as we got ready and put our make-up on, it was so much fun," Miss Valler said.

"I definitely think students who were thinking of getting involved this year should put their hand up for the next production in 2021.

"Don't be nervous about what people will think or say, just go for it. It's been the best time and I know it's something I am going to remember for a long time after high school.

Chinchilla State High School Musical:
Chinchilla State High School Musical performance of Fame

Lead roles:

Ellie Richards "Carmen"

Zach Gerke "Nick"

Steph Valler "Serena"

Jaimee Walsh "Iris"

Jack Richards "Tyrone"

Casey Ryan "Schlomo"

Savanna Evans "Mabel"

Charlie Zerbst "Goody"

Jemima Lithgow "Lambchops"

Keegan Luckraft "Joe"

Paige Chilcott "Ms. Bell"

Monique Cann "Miss Sherman"

Alisha Griffiths "Ms Meyers"

Tyson Chugg "Mr Sheinkopf"

Take a look at the photo gallery to see all the awe-inspiring moments from the high school's debut performance on Friday night: